GASTONIA, N.C.– The Gastonia Fire Department put out a fire that started in the chimney of a home just before 9a.m. Sunday.
Department officials say that they responded to a structure fire call in the fire 1100 Block of Clouse Street in Gastonia.
When Firefighters arrived on the scene, they saw a one story home with smoke coming from the roof of the structure.
Gastonia firefighters then entered the home and encountered a fully involved fire in the attic of the home but managed to extinguish the flames in approximately 15 minutes.
Officials say that a total of 25 personnel, and 6 apparatus responded to the call.
No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported and the home sustained approximately $20,000 in damages due to the fire.
At the time of the fire, two people were in the home but made it out safely and are now staying with nearby family members.
Officials want to remind the public to follow the below guidelines when heating residential homes with wood burning devices:
-Have all fireplaces, wooden stoves, screens, and chimneys inspected annually by a qualified professional to ensure safety.
-Have a working smoke detector in all rooms.
-Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
-Make sure to only burn clean and dry wood in fireplaces and wood stoves.
-All fuel burning equipment should vent to the outside to avoid CO (carbon monoxide) poisoning.
-Have a working CO (carbon monoxide) alarm installed on each floor of your home.
Photo Courtesy of The Gastonia Fire Department
